That's Understandable

Welcome to Season 2 of ‘That’s Understandable’! In this episode, Brendan welcomes guests Dr. Cartier Esham of the Biotechnology Innovation Organization, Pam Traxel of the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network and Diane, a cancer survivor in a conversation around drug pricing and medical innovation. The Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO) is a proactive voice of science and for science that is driving a “bio revolution” to cure patients, protect our climate and nourish humanity. The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy affiliate of the American Cancer Society. ACS CAN advocates for evidence-based public policies to reduce the cancer burden for everyone. It engages volunteers throughout the US to advocate at every level of government.

In the final episode of Season 1, Brendan is joined by Dr. Salvatore Alesci of the National Minority Quality Forum and Karla, a clinical trial participant, for a meaningful conversation on the critical need for diversity among clinical trial participants to ensure treatments are as effective as possible for all patients. The National Minority Quality Forum (NMQF) is the largest minority healthcare research, education and advocacy organization in the United States. Its mission is to reduce patient risk of hospitalizations, emergency room visits, disabilities and death, while also improving high-quality, long lives – particularly for the most vulnerable. For more information, please visit nmqf.org. For more information about clinical trials and your eligibility to participate, please visit clinicaltrials.gov.

Brendan speaks with Dr. Joshua Thomas, CEO and Executive Director of the National Alliance on Mental Illness in Delaware and Lynett, who is living with lupus to discuss the connection between physical and mental health for people living with chronic conditions. TRIGGER WARNING: This episode contains mention of self-harm and suicide, which may be triggering to some individuals. If you are in crisis, or you know someone who may be, please contact the 988 Lifeline by dialing 988 or visit 988lifeline.org. Everyone’s wellbeing matters. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is the largest grassroots mental health organization in the US, dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans impacted by mental illness. It is an alliance of more than 600 local Affiliates and 49 State Organizations working in communities to raise awareness and provide support and education to those in need. For more information or to access the resources referenced in this episode, please visit NAMI.org.

Brendan has a conversation with AstraZeneca's very own Dr. Rachele Berria and Dr. Carlos Doti to talk about the importance of routine preventive medical screenings and the variety of factors that impact the rates at which individuals receive screenings.

Brendan speaks with AstraZeneca's very own Chief Sustainability Officer, Pam Cheng, and President of National Academy of Medicine, Dr. Victor Dzau, to discuss the health implications of the climate crisis on the next episode of That’s Understandable. Click herehttps://www.astrazeneca.com/sustainability.htmlroundtable discussionClick here

In this episode of "That's Understandable," Liz Bodin, Vice President, US Respiratory & Immunology, and Mariam Koohdary, Deputy General Counsel, BioPharmaceuticals, join Brendan to shed light on the challenges and triumphs of women in leadership roles within the healthcare industry. They discuss the importance of diversity, the role of mentorship, the drive to innovate and how we can all agree – the struggle is real.

In this episode, Brendan brings in Cindy Hoots from AstraZeneca and Deborah DiSanzo, President of Best Buy Health, to discuss how artificial intelligence is changing the face of healthcare. Hear what they have to say about AI-led diagnostics, patient privacy and how the Geek Squad has switched from installing TVs to at-home healthcare. (Yes, that Geek Squad).

In this episode, Brendan sits down with Dr. Tonya Villafana, Vice President, Global Franchise Head of Infectious Disease at AstraZeneca, to talk about the impact science has on public health. Tonya speaks about the process, the ripple effect of science, the early stages of modern medicine, and the reason why “Talking Heads” is on her pre-meeting playlist.

Brendan invites Brittany to tell her story to help the audience understand what it means to be immunocompromised. ​ ​ Episode 3 will serve as a human-interest piece and dive into how Brittany coped with her diagnosis, how it changed her life and how the pandemic further complicated her daily living. ​

In this episode, Brendan is joined by AstraZeneca’s VP of US Corporate and Government Affairs, Christie Bloomquist, and Tulane University’s Dr. Thomas LaVeist to discuss health equity. The trio chat about navigating the healthcare system, the roots of health disparity, how organizations can help, Star Trek, romance novels, and Brendan’s sweet dreams.

To learn which screenings are appropriate for you, we encourage you to visit the US Preventive Services Task Force. The US Preventive Services Task Force is an independent, volunteer panel of national experts in disease prevention and evidence-based medicine. It works to improve the health of people nationwide by making evidence-based recommendations about clinical preventive services and prolong life.

To learn which screenings are appropriate for you, we encourage you to visit the US Preventive Services Task Force. The US Preventive Services Task Force is an independent, volunteer panel of national experts in disease prevention and evidence-based medicine. It works to improve the health of people nationwide by making evidence-based recommendations about clinical preventive services and prolong life.